Audi mulls export hub

New Delhi, Feb. 6: The high degree of local assembly of its models has encouraged Audi India to explore the possibility of making India an export hub for the Southeast Asian markets.

“We are assessing the situation. Even though at present we are not planning to start exports from India, in the near future, it can become the hub for exports to Southeast Asian markets,” Audi India head Joe King said. The company today unveiled the A3 sedan at Delhi Auto Expo.

At its Aurangabad plant in Maharashtra, Audi produces the compact-class SUV Q3, the A4 and A6 sedans, and the Q5 and Q7 SUVs. Audi has consolidated its position as the No. 1 car maker in the country, reporting a growth of 20 per cent.

“We sold 10,002 units in India last year and we believe this market has tremendous potential for further growth. We expect the Indian market to continue to grow and contribute substantially to Audi’s global sales,” King said.

He said they planned to launch the A3 in the third quarter of this year. It will be priced slightly higher than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 series.

Audi showcased the concept car — Audi Sport Quattro. It unveiled special versions of the SUVs — Q3, Q5 and Q7 — and the RS Sportback.

“Ideally, the A3 will fit between the compact luxury hatchback and the entry sedan segment. The A3 sedan will, in fact, open a new customer segment in the country and bring more fans into the Audi family,” he said.

“We have kept no specific sales targets this year, but we hope to grow our 32 per cent market share in India. Last year we grew faster than the luxury car market and will maintain the momentum.”